Talk of Real Madrid wanting to sign Rodri refuses to go away.
The Manchester City No.16 saw his reputation reach new heights after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, and the Spanish giants – known for their tendency to make ‘galactico’ signings – want the Spain international at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Cadena SER even believe Real Madrid would be willing to break their transfer policy to sign the 29-year-old.
Despite that, the Spaniard remains a highly ambitious target for Los Blancos, even with their worldwide appeal – given his importance to the Citizens.
Real Madrid do now – however – hold some hope that an agreement to sign Rodri from Manchester City can be found as a story from Mundo Deportivo emerges.
Lack of progress in contract talks has encouraged Real Madrid
The Spanish news outlet believe Real Madrid have some optimism over a deal for the Ballon d’Or winner due to the fact he is yet to sign a new contract, despite Manchester City ‘pushing’ for a renewal.
Rodri sees his current terms expire in June 2027, and Pep Guardiola will not want to allow the situation to reach a point where the influential midfielder only has 12 months remaining on his deal.
Mundo Deportivo add that Manchester City are aiming to extend his contract up to June 2030.
Rodri situation is a delicate one for Manchester City
Hugo Viana – Director of Football at the Etihad Stadium – has a tough situation on his hands as Real Madrid circle.
Rodri struggled with fitness during the FIFA Club World Cup as he made a comeback from his serious knee injury, and it remains to be seen if he can rediscover his Ballon d’Or-winning form.
Therefore, Manchester City could understandably feel hesitant to offer the man from Madrid a pay rise on his current £220,000-a-week salary and a large extension now, just in case he fails to ever get back to his previous level.
However, if Viana waits to see how Rodri performs and we reach a stage where he only has 12 months left on his contract, it could prove problematic next summer, should his performances be back to an elite standard.
